12. Solutions
Contents
1. Solubility
2. Some Solvents for Liquid Preparations
3. Preparation of Solutions
4. Oral Solutions and Preparations for Oral
Solution
5. Syrups
6. Elixirs
7. Tinctures
8. Proper Administration and Use of Liquid
Peroral Dosage Forms
9. Topical Solutions and Tinctures
10. Vaginal and Rectal Solutions
11. Topical Tinctures
12. Topical Oral (Dental) Solutions
13. Miscellaneous Solutions
14. Nonaqueous Solutions
15. Extraction Methods for Preparing
Solutions


-
-
In pharmaceutical terms, solutions are
“liquid preparations that contain one or
more chemical substances dissolved in a
suitable solvent or mixture of mutually
miscible solvents”.
Because of a particular pharmaceutical
solution’s use, it may be classified as
oral solution,
otic solution,
ophthalmic solution,
topical solution.




Solutions, because of their composition or
use, may be classified as other
pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Syrups
Elixirs
Spirits
Tinctures
Certain solutions prepared to be sterile and
pyrogen-free and intended for parenteral
administration are classified as injections.

Oral solutions, syrups, elixirs, spirits, and
tinctures are prepared and used for the
specific effects of the medicinal agents they
carry.

In these preparations, the medicinal agents
are intended to provide systemic effects.
1. Solubility

When molecules interact, attractive and
repulsive forces are in effect.

When the attractive and repulsive forces are
equal, the potential energy between two
molecules is minimum and the system is
most stable.

When a solute dissolves, the substance’s
intermolecular forces of attraction must be
overcome by forces of attraction between
the solute and solvent molecules.

This entails breaking the solute-solute
forces and the solvent-solvent forces to
achieve the solute-solvent attraction.

The solubility of an agent in a particular
solvent indicates the maximum
concentration to which a solution may be
prepared with that agent and that solvent.

When a solvent at a given temperature has
dissolved all of the solute it can, it is said to
be saturated.
Through selection of
 a different solubilizing agent or
 a different chemical salt form of the
medicinal agent,
 alteration of the pH of a solution,
 or substitution in part or in whole of the
solvent,
a pharmacist can in certain instances
dissolve greater quantities of a solute than
would otherwise be possible.



Temperature is an important factor in
determining the solubility of a drug and in
preparing its solution.
Most chemicals absorb heat when they are
dissolved and are said to have a positive heat
of solution, resulting in increased solubility
with a rise in temperature.
A few chemicals have a negative heat of
solution and exhibit a decrease in solubility
with a rise in temperature.
Other factors including
 the various chemical and other physical
properties of both the solute and the solvent,
pressure,
 the pH of the solution,
 the state of subdivision of the solute,
 and the physical agitation applied to the
solution as it dissolves affect solubility.
The solubility of a substance in a given
solvent may be determined

by preparing a saturated solution of it at a
specific temperature,

and determining by chemical analysis the
amount of chemical dissolved in a given
weight of solution.

The solubility may be expressed as grams of
solute dissolving in milliliters of solvent.

When the exact solubility has not been
determined, general expressions of relative
solubility may be used.

These terms are defined in the USP and
presented in Table 12.1

A great many of the important organic medicinal
agents are either weak acids or weak bases, and
their solubility depends to a large measure on the
pH of the solvent.

These drugs react either with strong acids or
strong bases to form water-soluble salts.

Table 12.2 presents the comparative solubilities of
some typical examples of weak acids and weak
bases and their salts.

Commonly, salts of organic compounds are
more soluble in water than are the
corresponding organic bases.

Conversely, the organic bases are more
soluble in organic solvents than the
corresponding salt forms.

In most instances, especially for solutions to
be taken orally, used ophthalmically, or
injected, water is the preferred solvent.

When water is used as the primary solvent,
commonly an auxiliary solvent is also
employed to augment the solvent action of
water or to contribute to a product’s
chemical or physical stability.

Alcohol, glycerin, and propylene glycol, have
been quite effective in contributing to the
desired characteristics of pharmaceutical
solutions and in maintaining their stability.

A number of fixed oils, such as corn oil,
cottonseed oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil, are
useful solvents, particularly in the preparation
of oleaginous injections, and are recognized
in the official compendia for this purpose.
2. Some Solvents for Liquid Preparations
(1) Alcohol, USP: Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol
(2) Diluted Alcohol, NF
(3) Alcohol, Rubbing
(4) Glycerin, USP (Glycerol)
(5) Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
(6) Propylene Glycol, USP
(7) Purified Water, USP
(1) Alcohol, USP: Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol

Alcohol is the most useful solvent in pharmacy
next to water. USP, is 94.9 to 96% C2H5OH by
volume (i.e., v/v)

Together with water it forms a hydroalcoholic
mixture that dissolves both alcohol-soluble and
water-soluble substances, a feature especially
useful in the extraction of active constituents from
crude drugs.

Alcohol has been well recognized as a
solvent and excipient in the formulation of
oral pharmaceutical products.

Certain drugs are insoluble in water and
must be dissolved in an alternative vehicle.

Alcohol is frequently used with other
solvents, such as glycols and glycerin, to
reduce the amount of alcohol required.


It also is used in liquid products as an
antimicrobial preservative alone or with
parabens, benzoates, sorbates, and other
agents.
However, concern has been expressed over
the undesired pharmacologic and potential
toxic effects of alcohol.
OTC
Children under 6 years of age
6-12 years of age
Over 12 years of age and adults
alcohol limit 0.5%
5%
10%
(2) Diluted Alcohol, NF



Diluted Alcohol, NF, is prepared by mixing
equal volumes of Alcohol, USP, and Purified
Water, USP.
The strength of Diluted Alcohol, NF, is not
exactly half that of the more concentrated
alcohol but slightly greater, approximately
49%.
Diluted alcohol is a useful hydroalcoholic
solvent in various pharmaceutical processes
and preparations.
(3) Alcohol, Rubbing

Rubbing alcohol contains about 70% ethyl
alcohol by volume, the remainder consisting
of water, denaturants with or without color
additives and perfume oils, and stabilizers.
100 ml
Sucrose octaacetate
(蔗糖八乙酸酯） 355 mg
or (denatonium benzoate
地那铵苯甲酸盐 1.4 mg)
denaturants
8 parts acetone
1.5 parts methyl isobutyl ketone
100 parts ethyl alcohol



It is employed as a rubefacient externally
and as a soothing rub for bedridden patients,
a germicide for instruments, and a skin
cleanser prior to injection.
It also used as a vehicle for topical
preparations.
The product is volatile and flammable and
should be stored in tight containers remote
from fire.
(4) Glycerin, USP (Glycerol)



Glycerin is a clear syrupy liquid with a sweet
taste. It is miscible with both water and
alcohol.
Glycerin has preservative qualities and is
often used as a stabilizer and as an auxiliary
solvent in conjunction with water or alcohol.
It is used in many internal preparations.
(5) Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol


Isopropyl rubbing alcohol is
about 70% by volume
isopropyl alcohol, the
remainder consisting of water
Commercially
with or without color additives, 91% isopropyl alcohol
solution
stabilizers, and perfume oils.
for diabetic patients
It is used externally as a
disinfecting needles,
rubefacient and soothing rub
syringes and skin
and as a vehicle for topical
products.
(6) Propylene Glycol, USP

Propylene glycol, a viscous liquid, is
miscible with water and alcohol.

It is a useful solvent with a wide range of
applications and is frequently substituted for
glycerin in modern pharmaceutical
formulations.
(7) Purified Water, USP

Purified Water, USP, is obtained by distillation,
ion exchange treatment, reverse osmosis, or
other suitable process.

It is prepared from water complying with the
federal Environmental Protection Agency
with respect to drinking water.
Compared with ordinary drinking water,
 Purified Water, USP is more free of solid
impurities.
 When evaporated to dryness, it must not
yield greater than 0.001% of residue (1 mg
of total solids per 100 mL of sample
evaporated).
 Purified Water, USP is intended for use in
the preparation of aqueous dosage forms,
except those intended for parenteral
administration (injetions).
Distillation Method

The first portion of aqueous distillate (about
the first 10 to 20%) must be discarded.

The last portion of water (about 10% of the
original volume of water ) remaining in the
distillation apparatus must be discarded and
not subjected to further distillation.
Ion-exchange method

On a large or small scale, the ion-exchange
method for the preparation of purified water
offers a number of advantages over the
distillation method.

The ion-exchange process permits ease of
operation, minimal maintenance, and a
more mobile facility.
-
-
There are mainly two types of resins in
column ion-exchange
the cation, or acid exchangers, which permit
the exchange of the cations in solution with
hydrogen ion from the resin
the anion, or base exchange resins, which
permit the removal of anions.
These two processes are successively or
simultaneously employed to remove both
cations and anions from water.

Cation exchange
H-Resin + M+ + X- + H2O
M-Resin +
H+ + X- + H2O (pure)

Anion exchange
Resin-NH2 + H+ + X- + H2O
Resin-NH2HX + H2O (pure)
Water purified in this manner is referred to
as demineralized or de-ionized water.
Reverse osmosis




In this process, a pressurized stream of water
is passed parallel to the inner side of a filter
membrane core.
A portion of the feed water permeates the
membrane as filtrate.
The water that has passed through the system
is referred to as the concentrate.
The flow in this crossflow system is from a
more concentrated to a less concentrated
solution-thus the term reverse osmosis.




Cross-flow filter membranes can remove
particles defined in the range of
microfiltration (0.1 to 2 microns, e.g.,
bacteria)
ultrafiltration (0.01 to 0.1 microns, e.g., virus)
nanofiltration (0.001 to 0.01 microns, e.g.,
organic compounds in the molecular weight
range of 300 to 1000)
reverse osmosis (particles smaller than 0.001
microns)
Reverse osmosis removes virtually all
 virus
 bacteria
 pyrogens
 organic molecules
 and 9099% of all ions.
3. Preparation of Solutions


Most pharmaceutical solutions are
unsaturated with solute. Thus the amounts
of solute to be dissolved are usually well
below the capacity of the volume of solvent
employed.
The strengths of pharmaceutical
preparations are usually expressed in terms
of percent strength, expressions of ratio
strength may be used. These expressions
and examples are shown in Table 12.4.
The symbol % used without qualification (as with
w/v, v/v, or w/w) means

percent weight in volume for solutions or
suspensions of solids in liquids;

percent weight in volume for solutions of gases in
liquids;

percent volume in volume for solutions of liquids
in liquids;

and weight in weight for mixtures of solids and
semisolids.




To hasten dissolution, a pharmacist may
employ one of several techniques, such as
applying heat,
reducing the particle size of the solute,
using a solubilizing agent,
or subjecting the ingredients to vigorous
agitation.

Most chemical agents are more soluble at
elevated temperatures than at room
temperature or below because an
endothermic reaction between the heat to
enhance dissolution.

In addition to or instead of raising the
temperature of the solvent to increase the
rate of solution, a pharmacist may choose to
decrease the particle size of the solute.

Most solutions are prepared by simple
mixing of the solutes with the solvent.

On an industrial scale, solutions are
prepared in large mixing vessels with ports
for mechanical stirrers.
4. Oral Solutions and Preparations for
Oral Solution


Most solutions intended for oral
administration contain flavorants and
colorants to make the medication more
attractive and palatable.
When needed, they may also contain
stabilizers to maintain the chemical and
physical stability of the medicinal agents
and preservatives to prevent the growth of
microorganisms in the solution.

The formulation pharmacist must be wary
of chemical interactions between the various
components of a solution that may alter the
preparation’s stability and/or potency.

Liquid pharmaceuticals for oral
administration are usually formulated such
that the patient receives the usual dose of
the medication in a conveniently
administered volume, as 5mL, 10mL, or
15mL.
(1) Dry Mixtures for Solution


A number of medicinal agents, particularly
certain antibiotics, have insufficient stability
in aqueous solution to meet extended shelf
life periods.
Commercial manufacturers of these
products provide them to the pharmacist in
dry powder or granule form for
reconstitution with a prescribed amount of
purified water immediately before
dispensing to the patient.

The dry powder mixture contains all of the
formulative components, including drug,
flavorant, colorant, buffers, and others,
except for the solvent.

Once reconstituted by the pharmacist, the
solution remains stable when stored in the
refrigerator for the labeled period, usually 7
to 14 days, depending on the preparation.
(2) Oral Solutions

The pharmacist shoule be sufficiently
knowledgeable about the dispensed product
to expertly advise the patient of the proper
use, dosage, method of administration and
storage of the product.

Table 12.5 presents examples of some oral
solutions.
Knowledge of
 the solubility and stability characteristics of
the medicinal agents
 and the solvents employed in the
commercial products
 is useful to the pharmacist for informing the
patient of the advisability of mixing the
solution with juice, milk, or other beverage
upon administration.
(3) Oral Rehydration Solutions

Rapid fluid loss associated with diarrhea
can lead to dehydration and ultimately death
in some patients, particularly infants.

Diarrhea is characterized by an increased
frequency of loose, watery stools, and
because of the rapid fluid loss, dehydration
can be an outcome.

During diarrhea, the small intestine secretes
far more than the normal amount of fluid
and electrolytes, and this simply exceeds the
ability of the large intestine to reabsorb it.

This fluid loss, which occurs mostly from
the body’s extracellular fluid compartment,
can lead to a progressive loss of blood
volume culminating in hypovolemic shock.

Oral rehydration solutions are usually
effective in treatment of patients with mild
volume depletion, 5 to 10% of body weight.

A liter or typical oral rehydration solution
contains 45 mEq Na+, 20 mEq K+, 35 mEq
Cl-, 30 mEq citrate, and 25 g dextrose.

It is important that the user add the specific
amount of water needed to prepare the
powder forms.
(4) Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution

Magnesium citrate oral solution is a
colorless to slightly yellow, clear,
effervescent liquid having a sweet, acidulous
taste and a lemon flavor.

The solution is employed as a saline
cathartic with the citric acid, lemon oil,
syrup, carbonation.
The solution is prepared by
 reacting official magnesium carbonate with
an excess of citric acid,
 flavoring and sweetening the solution with
lemon oil and syrup,
 filtering with talc,
 and then carbonating it by the addition of
either potassium or sodium bicarbonate.
(5) Oral Colonic Lavage Solution
Polyethylene glycol 3350
Sodium sulfate
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium chloride
Potassium chloride
236.00 g
22.74 g
6.74 g
5.86 g
2.97 g
In 4800 ml disposable container
The PEG acts as an osmotic agent within the
gastrointestinal tract and the balanced electrolyte
concentration results in virtually no net absorption
or secretion of ions.
(6) Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid Oral
Solution
The solution is administered orally in doses
of 10 to 30 ml/4 times.
Systemic
alkalinization
1 ml aqueous solution
100 mg sodium citrate
67 mg citric acid
Uric acid
Cystine calculi
5. Syrups

Syrups are concentrated aqueous
preparations of a sugar or sugar substitute
with or without flavoring agents and
medicinal substances.

Syrups containing flavoring agents but not
medicinal substances are called
nonmedicated or flavored vehicles (syrups).
Medicated syrups
sucrose
purified water
flavoring agents
coloring agents
therapeutic agent

Syrups provided a pleasant means of
administering a liquid form of a
disagreeable-tasting drug.

They are particularly effective in the
administration of drugs to youngsters, since
their pleasant taste usually dissipates any
reluctance on the part of the child to take
the medicine.

Any water-soluble drug that is stable in
aqueous solution may be added to a flavored
syrup.

However, care must be exercised to ensure
compatibility between the drug substance
and the other formulative components of
the syrup.
(1) Components of Syrups
Most syrups contain the following
components in addition to the purified
water and any medicinal agents present:
Sugar
Antimicrobial
Preservatives
Flavorant
Colorants
Sucrose and non-sucrose based syrup
Sucrose
Dextrose
Non-sugars
Sorbitol
Glycerin
Propylene glycol
Methylcellulose
Hydroxyethylcellulose


Most syrups contain a high proportion of
sucrose, usually 60-80%.
Concentrated sugar solutions are quite
resistant to microbial growth.
Simple syrup
85 g sucrose
+purified water
=100 ml syrup
Antimicrobial preservative
Benzoic acid (0.1 to 0.2%)
Sodium benzoate (0.1 to 0.2%)
Methyl-, propyl-, and butylparabens (0.1%)
Alcohol (15 to 20%)
Syrups can be preserved by
1) storage at low temperature
2) adding preservatives in the formulation
3) by the maintenance of a high
concentration of sucrose as a part of the
formulation
Example
Rx
Active drug
5ml volume occupied
Other drug solids 3 ml volume occupied
Glycerin
15 ml
Sucrose
25 g
Ethanol
95% q.s.
Purified water
q.s. 100 ml
How much alcohol would be required to preserve
this prescription?
Flavorant
Synthetic flavorants
Naturally occurring materials
Volatile oils
Vanillin
Because syrups are aqueous preparations,
these flavorants must be water soluble.
Colorant
The colorant is generally
 water soluble,
 nonreactive with the other syrup
components,
 color stable at the pH range and under the
intensity of light that the syrup is likely to
encounter during its shelf life.
green with mint
brown with chocolate
(2) Preparation of Syrups
Syrups are frequently prepared by one of
four general methods.
1)
2)
3)
4)
solution of the ingredients with the aid of heat,
solution of the ingredients by agitation without
the use of heat, or the simple admixture of liquid
components,
addition of sucrose to a prepared medicated
liquid or to a flavored liquid,
percolation of either the source of the
medicating substance or of the sucrose.
Ⅰ. Solution With the Aid of Heat
Syrups are prepared by this method
 when it is desired to prepare the syrup as
quickly as possible,
 when the syrup’s components are not
damaged or volatilized by heat.

In this method the sugar is generally
added to the purified water, and heat is
applied until the sugar is dissolved.
then other heat-stable components are
added to the hot syrup,

the mixture is allowed to cool,

its volume is adjusted to the proper level
by addition of purified water.
If heatlabile agents or volatile substances,
such as volatile flavoring oils and alcohol,
are to be added,

they are generally added to the syrup after
the sugar is dissolved by heat,

and the solution is rapidly cooled to room
temperature.



Because of the prospect of decomposition
by heat, syrups cannot be sterilized by
autoclaving.
The use of boiled purified water in the
preparation of a syrup can enhance its
permanency, and the addition of
preservative agents, when permitted, can
protect it during its shelf life.
Storage in a tight container is a requirement
for all syrups.
Ⅱ. Solution by Agitation Without the Aid
of Heat

To avoid heat-induced inversion of sucrose,
a syrup may be prepared without heat by
agitation.

On a small scale, sucrose and other
formulative agents may be dissolved in
purified water and thorough agitated of the
mixture.

This process is more time consuming than use of
heat, but the product has maximum stability.

Huge glass-lined or stainless steel tanks with
mechanical stirrers or agitators are employed in
large-scale preparation of syrups.

When solid agents are to be added to a syrup, it is
best to dissolve them in a minimal amount of
purified water and incorporate the resulting
solution into the syrup.
Ⅲ. Addition of Sucrose to a Medicated
Liquid or to a Flavored Liquid

Occasionally a medicated liquid, such as a
tincture or fluidextract, is employed as the
source of medication in the preparation of a
syrup.

Many such tinctures and fluidextracts
contain alcohol-soluble constituents and are
prepared with alcoholic or hydroalcoholic
vehicles.

If the alcohol-soluble components are
desired medicinal agents, some means of
rendering them water soluble is employed.

If the tincture or fluidextract is miscible
with aqueous preparations, it may be added
derectly to simple syrup or to a flavored
syrup.
Ⅳ. Percolation （渗漉）

In the percolation method, either sucrose
may be percolated to prepare the syrup, or
the source of the medicinal component may
be percolated to form an extractive to which
sucrose or syrup may be added.

This latter method really is two separate
procedures: first the preparation of the
extractive of the drug and then the
preparation of the syrup.
Ipecac syrup
Percolation
Glycerin
Syrup
Ipecac
dried rhizome
roots of cephaelis ipecacuanha
Extractive
of powdered ipecac
alkaloids
emetine
cephaeline
psychotrine

The usual dose of ipecac syrup is 15 ml.

This amount of syrup is commonly used in
the management of poisoning in children
when the evacuation of the stomach
contents is desirable.

Ipecac syrup also has some application as a
nauseant expectorant, in doses smaller than
the emetic dose.
6. Elixirs



Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic
solutions intended for oral use and are
uaually flavored to enhance their palatability.
Nonmedicated elixirs are employed as
vehicles;
Medicated elixirs are used for the
therapeutic effect of the medicinal
substances they contain.

Compared with syrups, elixirs are usually
less sweet and less viscous.

Elixirs are better able than aqueous syrups
to maintain both water-soluble and alcoholsoluble components in solution.

Each elixir requires a specific blend of
alcohol and water to maintain all of the
components in solution.

In addition to alcohol and water, other
solvents, such as glycerin and propylene
glycol, are frequently employed in elixirs as
adjunctive solvents.

Although many elixirs are sweetened with
sucrose or with a sucrose syrup, some use
sorbitol, glycerin, and/or artificial
sweeteners.

All elixirs contain flavorings to increase their
palatability, and most elixirs have coloring
agents to enhance their appearance.

Elixirs containing more than 10 to 12% of
alcohol are usually self-preserving and do
not require the addition of an antimicrobial
agent.



One advantage of elixirs over their
counterpart drugs in solid dosage forms is
the flexibility and ease of dosage
administration to patients who have
difficulty swallowing solid forms.
A disadvantage of elixirs for children and for
adults who choose to avoid alcohol is their
alcoholic content.
Elixirs should be stored in tight, lightresistant containers and protected from
excessive heat.
(1) Preparation of Elixirs

Elixirs are usually prepared by simple
solution with agitation and/or by admixture
of two or more liquid ingredients.

Alcohol-soluble and water-soluble
components are generally dissolved
separately in alcohol and in purified water,
respectively.

Then the aqueous solution is added to the
alcoholic solution to maintain the highest
possible alcoholic strength at all times so
that minimal separation of the alcoholsoluble components occurs.

When the two solutions are completely
mixed, the mixture is made to volume with
the specified solvent or vehicle.
Frequently the final mixture will be cloudy
because of separation of some of the
flavoring oils by the reduced alcoholic
concentration.
Talc
Filter
(2) Nonmedicated Elixirs
(a)
(b)
Nonmedicated elixirs may be useful to the
pharmacist in the extemporaneous filling
of prescriptions involving
the addition of a therapeutic agent to a
pleasant-tasting vehicle,
dilution of an existing medicated elixir.

In selecting a liquid vehicle for a drug
substance, the pharmacist should be
concerned with the solubility and stability of
the drug substance in water and alcohol.

All components should be chemically and
physically compatible.
The three most commonly used
nonmedicated elixirs were

aromatic elixir,

compound benzaldehyde elixir （复方安息
香醛酏剂）,

isoalcoholic elixir.
(3) Medicated Elixirs



Antihistamines elixirs are useful primarily in
the symptomatic relief of certain allergic
disorders.
The most common untoward effect is
sedation.
Other common adverse effects include
dryness of the nose, throat, and mouth;
dizziness; and disturbed concentration.
Barbiturate sedative/hypnotic elixirs


Barbiturates are administered in small doses
in the daytime hours as sedatives to reduce
restlessness and emotional tension.
Greater doses may be given before bedtime
as hypnotics to release insomnia.
long-acting
intermediate-acting
short-acting
ultrashort-acting
phenobarbital
amobarbital
pentobarbitol
secobarbitol
thiopental
Phenobarbital Elixir

Phenobarbital elixir is formulated to contain
phenobarbital 0.4%,which provides about 20
mg of drug per teaspoonful (5mL)of elixir.
Orange oil
Colored red
Syrup
Glycerin
Digoxin Elixir
Digoxin is poisonous, and its dose must be
carefully determined and administered to
each individual patient.
The official elixir contains about 10% of alcohol.
Dropper
100 ml elixir
4.5 mg to 5.25 mg
0.25 mg/5mL teaspoonful
Cardiotonic agent
1.5 mg initial therapy
0.5 mg maintenance therapy
7. Tinctures

Tinctures are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic
solutions prepared from vegetable materials
or from chemical substances.

They vary in method of preparation,
strength of the active ingredient, alcoholic
content, and intended use in medicine or
pharmacy.

Depending on the praparation, tinctures
contain alcohol in amounts ranging from
approximately 15 to 80%.

The alcohol content protects against
microbial growth and keeps the alcoholsoluble extractives in solution.

In addition to alcohol, other solvents, such
as glycerin, may be employed.

Tinctures must be tightly stoppered and not
exposed to excessive temperatures.

Many tinctures must be stored in lightresistant containers and protected from
sunlight.
paregoric
camphorated
tincture of opium
8. Proper Administration and Use of
Liquid Peroral Dosage Forms

The liquid dosage forms should be
measured out in calibrated devices for
administration.

Even though these are liquids, it is
recommended that the patient follow the
administration of the liquid dosage form
with a glassful of water.

The pharmacist must be careful in the
selection of liquid products given the
patient’s history and other concurrent
medicines.
Diabetic patient
Antabuse-like activity
Another drug-drowsiness
9. Topical Solutions and Tinctures

Generally, the topical solutions employ an
aqueous vehicle, whereas the topical
tinctures characteristically employ an
alcoholic vehicle.

As required, cosolvents or adjuncts to
enhance stabililty or the solubility of the
solute are employed.

Most topical solutions and tinctures are
prepared by simple dissolving. However,
certain solutions are prepared by chemical
reaction.

Because of the nature of the active
constituents or the solvents, many topical
solutions and tinctures are self-preserved.
(1) Sprays


Sprays may be defined as aqueous or
oleaginous solutions in the form of coarse
droplets or as finely divided solids to be
applied topically, most usually to the
nasopharyngeal tract or to the skin.
Many commercial sprays are used
intranasally to relieve nasal congestion and
inflammation and to combat infection and
contain antihistamines, sympathomimetic
agents, and antibiotic substances.

Other sprays that are employed against
sunburn and heat burn contain local
anesthetics, antiseptics, skin protectants,
and antipruritics.

Throat sprays containing antiseptics,
deodorants, and flavorants may be
effectively employed to relieve conditions
such as halitosis, sore throat, and laryngitis.

Other sprays treat athlete’s foot and other
fungal infections.

Recently, one-way pump sprays have been
developed to deliver medication into the
nose.
(2) Aluminum Acetate Topical Solution

Aluminum acetate is colorless and has a faint
acetous odor and a sweetish, astringent taste.

It is widely applied topically as an astringent
wash or wet dressing after dilution with 10 to
40 parts of water.

It is frequently used in various types of
dermatologic lotions, creams, and pastes.
(3) Aluminum Subacetate Topical Solution

Aluminum subacetate （碱式醋酸铝）
topical solution, is used in prepatation of
aluminum acetate topical solution.

Aluminum acetate topical solution, diluted
first with 20 to 40 parts of water, is used
externally as an astringent wash and wet
dressing.
(4) Calcium Hydroxide Topical Solution

Calcium hydroxide topical solution,
commonly called limewater, must contain
not less than 140 mg of Ca(OH)2 in each 100
mL of solution.

Calcium hydroxide is less soluble in hot than
in cold water, and cool purified water is the
solvent.


The solution should be stored in well-filled,
tightly stoppered containers to deter the
absorption of carbon dioxide and should be
kept in a cool place to maintain an
adequate concentration of dissolved solute.
The solution is categorized as an astringent.
For this purpose it is generally employed in
combination with other ingredients in
dermatologic solutions and lotions to be
applied topically.
(5) Coal Tar Topical Solution



Coal tar topical solution is an alcoholic
solution containing 20% coal tar and 5%
polysorbate 80. The final content is 81 to
86% ethyl alcohol.
Coal tar is a nearly black viscous liquid
having a characteristic naphthalene-like
odor and a sharp, burning taste.
It is slightly soluble in water and partially
soluble in most organic solvents, including
alcohol.

Coal tar is a local antieczematic.

The solution is used in external treatment of
a wide variety of chronic skin conditions
after dilution with about 9 volumes of water,
or in combination with other agents in
various lotions, ointments or solutions.
(6) Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution



Hydrogen peroxide topical solution contains
2.5 to 3.5%(w/v) hydrogen peroxide, or
H2O2 .
The solution is a clear, colorless liquid that
may be odorless or have the odor of ozone.
It usually deteriorates upon long standing ,
forming oxygen and water.

Preservative agents, such as acetanilide,
have been found to retard decomposition.

Decomposition is enhanced by light and by
heat, and for this reason the solution should
be preserved in tight, light-resistant
containers, preferably at a temperature not
exceeding 35℃.

The solution is also decomposed by
practically all organic matter and other
reducing agents and reacts with oxidizing
agents to liberate oxygen and water; metals,
alkalies, and other agents can catalyze its
decomposition.

Hydrogen peroxide solution is categorized
as a local anti-infective for use topically on
the skin and mucous membranes.
(7) Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution

Chlorhexidine gluconate has been employed
extensively as a broad-spectrum antiseptic
in clinical and veterinarian medicine.

Its spectrum encompasses gram-positive
and gram-negative bacteria, including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.



In a concentration of 4% (Hibiclins, Stuart)
it is used as a surgical scrub, hand wash,
and skin wound and general skin cleanser.
The most common side effect of
chlorhexidine is the formation of an
extrinsic yellow-brown stain on the teeth and
tongue after only a few days of use.
The developed stain can be periodically
removed with dental prophylaxis.
(8) Povidone Iodine Topical Solution



The agent povidone iodine is a chemical complex
of iodine with polyvinylpyrrolidone.
The povidone iodine complex contains
approximately 10% available iodine and slowly
releases it when applied to the skin.
The preparation is employed topically as a surgical
scrub and nonirritating antiseptic solution, with its
effectiveness directly attributable to the presence
and release of iodine from the complex.
(9) Thimerosal（硫柳汞） Topical Solution



Thimerosal is a water-soluble organic
mercurial antibacterial agent used topically
for its bacteriostatic and mild fungistatic
properties.
It is used mainly to disinfect skin and as an
application to wounds and abrasions.
It has been applied to the eye, nose, throat,
and urethra in dilutions of 1:5000.

It is also used as a preservative for various
pharmaceutical preparations.
The solution must be
maintained in lightresistant containers
0.1% Thimerosal
Ethylene diamine solution
Sodium borate
Monoethanolamine

Thimerosal topical solution contains 0.1%
thimcrosal.

The solution is affected by light and must be
maintained in light-resistant containers.
10. Vaginal and Rectal Solutions
(1) Vaginal Douches


Solutions may be prepared from powders as
indicated earlier or from liquid solutions or
liquid concentrates.
In using liquid concentrates , the patient is
instructed to add the prescribed amount of
concentrate to a certain amount of warm
water.


The user simply adds the prescribed amount of
powder to the appropriate volume of warm water
and stirs until dissolved.
Among the components of douche powders are the
following:
1. Boric acid or sodium borate
2. Astringents
3. Antimicrobials
4. Quaternary ammonium compounds
5. Detergents
6. Oxidizing agents
7. Salts, e.g. ,sodium citrate, sodium chloride
8. Aromatics, e.g. , menthol, thymol.
(2) Retention Enemas

hydrocortisone
A number of solutions
are administered
aminophylline
rectally for the local
effects of the
medication or for systemic absorption.

Clinically effective blood levels of the agents
are usually obtained within 30 minutes
following rectal instillation.
(3) Evacuation Enemas


-
-
Rectal enemas are used to cleanse the bowel.
The agents present are
solutions of sodium phosphate and sodium
biphosphate
glycerin and docusate potassium
light mineral oil

The patient should be advised to gently
insert the tip of the product with steady
pressure and be told that it is not absolutely
necessary to squeeze all of the contents out
of the disposable plastic bottle.

The patient should be told that the product
will most probably work within 5 to 10
minutes.
11. Topical Tinctures
(1) Iodine Tincture
2% iodine crystals
2.4% sodium iodide
Alcohol
Purified water
I2+NaINaI3
This reaction prevents the
formation of ethyl iodide from the
interaction between iodine and the
alcohol, which would result in the
loss of the antibacterial activity of
The tincture.

The tincture is a popular local anti-infective
agent applied to the skin, is useful in
delineating the application over the affected
skin area.

The tincture should be stored in a tight
container to prevent loss of alcohol.
(2) Compound Benzoin Tincture
Maceration in alcohol of 10% benzoin
24% aloe, storax and tolu balsam
The
tincture is categorized as a protectant.
It is used to protect and toughen skin in the treatment of
bedsores, ulcers, cracked nipples, and fissures of the lips
and anus.

It is also commonly used as an inhalant in
bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.

Compound tincture of benzoin serves as a
delivery vehicle of podophyllum in the
treatment of venereal warts.
(3) Thimerosal Tincture



The commercial preparation is
colored orange red and has
greenish fluorescence.
0.1% Thimerosal
The red stain it leaves on the
Monoethanolamine
skin defines the area of
Distilled water
application.
Acetone
It is a commonly used
50% alcohol
household antiseptic for
application to abrasions and
cuts and also in preparation of
patients for surgery.
12. Special application solutions
(1) nasal preparations

The vast majority of preparations intended
for intranasal use contain adrenergic agents
and are employed for their decongestant
activity on the nasal mucosa.
Nose drops
Sprays
Jellies
Nasal decongestant solutions
Most nasal decongestant solutions are
 aqueous preparations
 rendered isotonic to nasal fluids
(approximately equivalent to 0.9% sodium
chloride),
 buffered to maintain drug stability
(pH5.56.5)
 stabilized and preserved as required.


Most of the adrenergic drugs used in nasal
decongestant solutions are synthetic
compounds epinephrine.
Most solutions for nasal use are packaged in
dropper bottles or in plastic spray bottles,
usually containing 15 to 30 ml of medication.



The concentration of adrenergic agent is
ranging from about 0.05 to 1.0%.
Nasal decongestant solutions are employed
in the treatment of rhinitis of the common
cold and for vasomotor and allergic rhinitis
including hay fever, and for sinusitis.
The frequent use or their use for prolonged
periods may lead to chronic edema of the
nasal mucosa. Thus, they are best used for
short periods (no longer than 3 to 5 days).
（2）Otic Solution


Ear preparations are usually placed in the
ear canal by drops or in small amounts for
the removal of excessive cerumen (ear wax)
or for the treatment of ear infections,
inflammation, or pain.
Cerumen-removing solutions
Light mineral oil
Vegetable oils
Hydrogen peroxide
Solution of
Synthetic surfactants
Commercial products
1) Triethanolamine polypeptide
oleate-condensate in propylene glycol
2) Carbamide peroxide in glycerin/
Propylene glycol






Anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and
analgesic ear preparations
Drugs used topically in the ear for their
antiinfective activity include
chloramphenicol
colistin sulfate
neomycin
polymyxin B sulfate
nystatin
Anti-inflammatory agents
-Hydrocortisone
-Dexamethasone sodium phosphate
-Acetic acid (2%) in aluminum
acetate solution
-Boric acid (2.75%) in isopropyl alcohol
Topical analgesics
antipyrine
local anesthetic benzocaine
in a vehicle of propylene glycol
or anhydrous glycerin
Preservation
 Chlorobutanol (0.5%)
 Thimerosal (0.01%)
 Combinations of the parabens
Antioxidants
 Sodium bisulfite
Stabilizers
13. Miscellaneous Solutions
(1) Aromatic Waters

Aromatic waters are clear, aqueous solutions
saturated with volatile oils or other aromatic
or volatile substances.

Aromatic waters may be used for perfuming
and/or flavoring.
(2) Diluted Acids



Diluted acids are aqueous solutions prepared
by diluting the corresponding concentrated
acids with purified water.
The strength of a diluted acid is generally
expressed on a percent weght-to-volume (%
w/v) basis, that is, the weight in grams of
solute per 100 mL of solution,
whereas the strength of a concentrated acid is
generally expressed in terms of percent
weight to weight (% w/w), which indicates
the number of grams of solute per 100 g of
solution.

To prepare a diluted acid from a
concentrated one, it is necessary first to
calculate the amount of solute required in
the diluted product.

Then the amount of concentrated acid
required to supply the needed amount of
solute can be determined.



To illustrate, concentrated hydrochloric acid
(HCl) contain not less than 35 g and not more
than 38 g of solute per 100 g of acid and
therefore is considered to be, on the average,
36.5% w/w in strength.
Diluted HCl contains 9.5 to 10.5 g of solute per
100 mL of solution and is therefore considered
to be approximately 10% w/v in strength.
If one wished to prepare 100mL of the diluted
acid from the concentrated acid, one would
require 10 g of solute. The amount of
concentrated HCl required to supply this amount
of solute may be calculated by the following
proportion:
Thus, 27.39 g of concentrated acid is required to
supply 10 g of solute needed for the preparation of
100 mL of the diluted acid.
Concentrated sulfuric acid 95-98% (w/w)
Concentrated nitric acid 69-71% (w/w)
Concentrated phosphoric acid 85-88% (w/w)
(3) Spirits



Spirits are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic
solutions of volatile substances.
Generally, the alcoholic concentration of
spirits is rather high, usually over 60%.
Because of the greater solubility of
aromatic or volatile substances in alcohol
than in water, spirits can contain a greater
concentration of these materials than the
corresponding aromatic waters.



Spirits may be used pharmaceutically as
flavoring agents and medicinally for the
therapeutic value of the aromatic solute.
For medicinal purposes, spirits may be taken
orally, applied externally, or used by
inhalation, depending upon the particular
preparation.
When taken orally, they are generally mixed
with a portion of water to reduce the
pungency of the spirit.
14. Nonaqueous Solutions
(1) Liniments （搽剂）


Liniments are alcoholic or oleaginous
solutions or emulsions of various medicinal
substances intended to be rubbed on the
skin.
Liniments are useful when rubefacient,
counterirritant, or penetrating action is
desired; oleaginous liniments are employed
primarily when massage is desired.

All liniments should bear a label indicating
that they are suitable only for external use
and must never be taken internally.
Oleaginous liniments
The solvent may be fixed oil such as
almond oil
peanut oil
sesame oil
cottonseed oil
volatile substance such as winter-green oil or turpentine
(2) Collodions（火棉胶）



Collodions are liquid preparations
composed of pyroxylin （硝酸纤维素）
dissolved in a solvent mixture usually
composed of alcohol and ether with or
without added medicinal substances.
Pyroxylin, like collodions, is exceedingly
flammable and must be stored away from
flame in well-closed containers, protected
from light.
Collodions are intended for external use.
Collodion
 Collodion is a clear or slightly opalescent
viscous liquid .
 The product is capable of forming a
protective film on application to the skin and
the volatilization of the solvent. The flim is
useful in holding the edges of an incised
wound together.
 However, its presence on the skin is
uncomfortable because of its inflexible
nature.
Flexible collodion （弹性火棉胶）
 Flexible collodion is prepared by adding 2%
camphor and 3% castor oil to collodion.
 The castor oil renders the product flexible,
permitting its comfortable use over skin
areas that are normally moved, such as
fingers and toes. The camphor makes the
product waterproof.
Salicylic acid coilodion
 It is used for its keratolytic effects, especially
in the removal of corns from the toes.
 The product should be applied one drop at a
time on the corn or wart, allowing time to
dry before the next drop is added.
 Proper tightening and storage of the
product after use are absolutely necessary
because of the volatility of the vehicle.
15. Extraction Methods for Preparing Solutions
Certain pharmaceutical preparations are
prepared by extraction, that is, by
withdrawal of desired constituents from
crude drugs through the use of selected
solvents in which the desired constituents
are soluble.
Water
Hydroalcoholic mixtures
Glycerin
Methods of Extraction


The principal methods of drug extraction
are maceration and percolation.
Generally, the method of extraction selected
for a given drug depends on several factors,
including the nature of the crude drug, its
adaptability to each of the various extraction
methods, and the interest in obtaining
complete or nearly complete extraction of
the drug.
(1) Maceration （浸渍）

It is a process in which the properly
comminuted drug is permitted to soak in
the menstruum until the cellular structure is
softened and penetrated by the menstruum
and the soluble constituents are dissolved.

For drugs containing little or no cellular
material, such as benzoin（安息香）, aloe
（芦荟）, and tolu（妥鲁香 ）, which
dissolve almost completely in the menstruum,
maceration is the most efficient method of
extraction.

Maceration is usually conducted at a
temperature of 15℃ to 20 ℃ for 3 days or
until the soluble matter is dissolved.
(2) Percolation（渗漉）



It may be described generally as a process
in which a comminuted drug is extracted of
its soluble constituents by the slow passage
of a suitable solvent through a column of
the drug.
The drug is packed in a special extraction
apparatus termed a percolator, with the
collected extractive called the percolate.
Most drug extractions are performed by
percolation .

In the process of percolation the flow of the
menstruum over the drug column is
generally downward to the exit orifice, drawn
by the force of gravity as well as the weight
of the column of liquid.

In certain specialized and more
sophisticated percolation apparatus,
additional pressure on the column is exerted
with positive air pressure at the inlet and
suction at the outlet or exit.

Percolators for drug extraction vary greatly
as to their shape, capacities, composition,
and, most important utility.

Percolators employed in the large-scale
industrial preparation of extractive are
generally stainless steel or glasslined metal
vessels that vary greatly in size and in
operation.

Percolation on a small scale generally
involves the use of glass percolators of
various shapes for extraction of small
amounts (perhaps up to 1000 g) of crude
drug.

The cylindrical percolator is particularly
suited to the complete extraction of drugs
with a minimal expenditure of menstruum.
Example preparations prepared by
extraction processes


Fluidextracts
Extracts
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
How to prepare purified water?
What solvents are commonly used for
liquid preparations?
What are elixirs and tinctures?
Please give examples to explain how to
prepare medicated elixirs and tinctures?